Join us at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence as we come together in person to explore and learn new ways of supporting, engaging, and preparing students and ourselves for the future.

As student success becomes more central to the academic mission, our work becomes more important than ever. We are on the front lines of shaping student experiences, while also navigating challenges such as mental health, inclusion, and access to resources. We also need to consider ourselves, staying grounded in our practice and ready to meet these challenges and opportunities with a clear mind and open heart.  This is an opportunity to share innovative practices, inspiring solutions, and collaborative approaches that foster student achievement and well-being

 The Art of Financial Education: Talking About Money so Students will Actually Listen

Choosing art as a career has become synonymous with choosing financial insecurity.

For many students, the biggest barrier to pursuing a creative career isn’t talent—it’s fear. The “starving artist” myth is so ingrained that even the most promising young artists hesitate, unsure how to sustain themselves financially. While some high schools may offer personal finance courses, students often disengage, feeling the material doesn’t apply to them. The challenge isn’t just financial literacy—it’s messaging.

Financial literacy for artists isn’t about teaching students how to be accountants; it’s about equipping them with practical strategies that fit within their creative practice. Without an accessible and engaging approach, students are left to navigate money through trial and error, often making costly mistakes along the way.

This session will explore the key challenges preventing artists from achieving financial sustainability and provide concrete strategies for integrating financial literacy into art education. Educators will leave with actionable tools to embed financial concepts into their curriculum in ways that resonate with students.

Key Topics

• Why traditional financial literacy education fails—and how to make it work for artists

• The role of institutions in embedding financial pedagogy, beyond elective courses

• Engaging students through real-world applications, not just theory

• Practical strategies: pricing artwork, income diversification, and long-term planning

This event is also available on the Whova Mobile App: Download Link.